Tobacco-free FAQs

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Q: What does tobacco-free mean to MCC?

A: Tobacco-free means that all MCC properties are 100% tobacco-free.
Smoking and all other tobacco use has been prohibited inside and
outside all college buildings and grounds. This includes all common
areas, parking lots, building entrances, etc. In other words, if you are
anywhere on an MCC property, you may not use tobacco products.

Q: Why a smoke-free campus?

A: The health and safety of students, visitors, faculty and staff is
a top priority for Metropolitan Community College. Tobacco related
disease is the nation’s leading preventable cause of premature death and
disability and hazardous to the health of smokers and non-smokers
alike.

Q: What areas of campus will the smoke-free policy cover?

A: The new policy applies to all MCC campus building, grounds and
parking lots; properties owned or leased by MCC, and all MCC vehicles.

Q: What about smoking on sidewalks around campus?

A: Tobacco use on sidewalks on any MCC property that is owned by MCC will not be permitted.

Q: Can I smoke in my car parked on MCC property?

A: Smoking on all MCC property, including parking lots, is
prohibited. Tobacco-use inside a personal vehicle is the choice of the
vehicle owner. Littering of tobacco waste on MCC grounds is not allowed.

Q: Is there a clear defined designated smoking area for students, employees and visitors?

A: No. Providing a place to smoke does not support MCC’s goal to create a healthier
environment.

Q: How will the policy be enforced?

A: The success of this policy will depend on the thoughtfulness,
consideration and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers. Students,
faculty and staff have a collective responsibility to promote the safety
and health of the campus community and therefore share in the
responsibility of enforcement. Individuals observed smoking are to be
reminded in a professional and courteous manner of the tobacco-free
policy.

Q: Isn’t smoking a personal, legal right?

A: Court rulings maintain that tobacco users do not have the legal
right to expose others to second hand smoke, a Class A carcinogen, and
are not entitled to protection against discrimination.

Q: How can I appeal a smoking citation?

A: Appeals should be submitted through the Police Captain at the
campus the citation was issued. Students and employees will have 10 days
after a citation is issed to make an appeal.